Last day, a mass petition was filed by over 100 people from various walks of life, to the Chief Minister requesting him to not invite Mohanlal as the chief guest for this year’s Kerala State Film Awards presentation ceremony. Some of the popular names among the signatories were Prakash Raj, Rajeev Ravi, Geetu Mohandas, Dr Biju, Rima Kallingal, Santhosh Thundiyil and Beena Antony.

However, Prakash Raj, whose name was supposedly put first in the list of petitioners, has come out clarifying that he has not signed any memorandum against Mohanlal attending the State Awards function. In a video posted in his social media handle, Prakash Raj said,

“This is to clarify the news, a news that has been going around that I have signed a memorandum against Mohanlal attending Kerala State Award function, which is false. Not have I signed any such memorandum, nor am I aware of such a memorandum. Yes, I have my differences with the decisions A.M.M.A had taken and I have very clearly told my stands that I don’t accept it. It is insensitive to have taken such a decision. But this news that I am singling out Mohanlal, who is such a statured actor and that I have been part of signing a memorandum is false, and this is for everyone that I have not signed any such memorandum as far as this is concerned. Thank you!”

Cinematographer Santhsoh Thundiyil and filmmaker Kamal, whose names were included in the petitioners, have also denied signing any such memorandum. Meanwhile, Cultural Affairs Minister AK Balan has made it clear that the government is yet to take decision to invite Mohanlal or not. The superstar, who is busy shooting for Lucifer, has also informed that he still has not got any official invite from the government.